HOLLYWOOD—It has become the anthology series horror enthusiasts expect every October.Yes, its time for “American Horror Story.”This time around there are no ghosts, supernatural entities, mad scientists or serial killers, it’s a tale of witches.Yes, witches.When I first heard about this, I was a bit unsure about it, but after the first episode I’m all in.The series has been a staple with the return of many familiar faces from the first installment.

In the driver’s vehicle this time around is Jessica Lange, as Supreme witch Fiona.Lange has the ability to portray evil with such precision and delicacy, that a glare from this woman sends screams.The frightening aspect is her distant relationship with daughter Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) who heralds the school where she teaches young witches in
New Orleans. The dynamic between mother and daughter is not a lovable one. Fiona knows exactly what to say to get under her daughter’s skin.Considering that both are witches, I have reason to believe some explosive fireworks are in store for both ladies this season.

“Coven” brings some major star power to the series, not only do we have Lange, but we also have Oscar-winner Kathy Bates as Madame LaLaurie who has a penance for vicious treatment of slaves and her children.I will admit the opening sequence had to be one of the most disturbing and haunting for the series. Bates is indeed a wicked woman, who will get her comeuppance later in the season, I’m sure of it.What’s even more surprising in the revelation during the final moments of the first episode is that LaLaurie is very much alive, thanks to Fiona digging her from an earthly grave.

Jessica Lange as Fiona on "American Horror Story: Coven."

Just what is Fiona’s reasoning for unearthing LaLaurie? That is an interesting plot point I’m looking to unearth.Let’s turn our focus onto the stars of the season: the witches.Cordelia’s school is the home to four witches, all uniquely different.We have
Nan (Jamie Brewer), who returns to the franchise after being M.I.A. in the second installment.Nan has a clever power; she is clairvoyant and has the ability to read thoughts and foresee things. She may be quiet, but I have a feeling she will play a crucial role as the season progresses.

There is Madison (Emma Roberts), who plays the role of a spoiled, bratty mean girl to the core.Looks like she honed into some of those psychotic tendencies she displayed in “Scream 4.” Did I mention she has telekinetic abilities?She’s one that I would not want to piss off; just look what happened to the frat boys who took advantage of her.Flipping over that party bus, I’m sure is just the beginning of the chaos that she will display.

Other notable witches include Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), who is an oversized human voodoo doll. Whatever she does to herself she can inflict on others.I would say to some degree that means it’s nearly impossible to kill her right?Perhaps, the most fascinating witch is Zoe (Taissa Farmiga). It’s such a treat to see Farmiga back to the series. What Zoe is capable of is a question worth further investigating.She killed a boy during intercourse, how, we’ve yet to discover, but it appears her powers are just beginning to develop.Hmm, could she be the ultimate Supreme Witch?To make matters worse, the frat boy that caught Zoe’s eye (Evan Peters) was tragically killed in the bus accident, but does that mean we’ll never see him again?Remember this is “American Horror Story,” the writers always have surprises up their sleeves.

The one thing that I find interesting about “Coven” is the characters are a bit more connected in my opinion.The first episode has definitely set the groundwork for where the rest of the season could transpire.We cannot forget about voodoo queen Marie (Angela Bassett) who was responsible for Madame LaLaurie’s disappearance. Audiences can only imagine the hell that she will inflict on Fiona for unleashing her enemy.

It’ll be a battle between witchcraft and voodoo it appears this season. I’ve always wanted to know the difference between the two, finally it looks like “American Horror Story” will teach me. “American Horror Story: Coven” airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.